Connect the PXIe-5842 and individual modules that are necessary for the functionality of the overall instrument.

Independent LO 1-VST, 2-VST, and 4-VST Configurations

Interconnect the PXIe-5842 VST.

  1. Make interconnections for the VST as described in the PXIe-5842 User Manual:
    • PXIe-5842 VST (2 GHz Bandwidth)—Interconnect the PXIe-5842 and PXIe-5655 as described in to Interconnecting the PXIe-5842 VST.
    • PXIe-5842 VST with 54 GHz Frequency Extension—Interconnect the PXIe-5842, PXIe-5655, PXIe-5563, and RMM-5585 as described in Interconnecting the PXIe-5842 VST with 54 GHz Frequency Extension.
  2. Repeat for each VST in your system.

Common LO 2-VST and 4-VST Configurations

Interconnect each PXIe-5842 to a single PXIe-5655 as described in Creating a Multi-VST System in the PXIe-5842 User Manual.

Note Common LO configurations require additional cables and accessories not included in the PXIe-5842 kit.
You must individually split and distribute each RF Input LO and RF Output LO.
Table 15. Additional Cables and Accessories
VST Count Cable/Accessory Recommended Part Number Quantity
2 2-way SMA Power Splitter* Mini Circuits ZC2PD-5R263-S+ 2
SMA-to-SMA Cable 137446-01/03 (1 m and 3 m lengths) 7†
4 4-way SMA Power Splitter* Mini Circuits ZC4PD-5R263-S+ 2
SMA-to-SMA Cable 137446-01/03 (1 m and 3 m lengths) 12†
* You can use any output passive splitter that meets the criteria specified in Creating a Multi-VST System in the PXIe-5842 User Manual.

† The PXIe-5842 ships with a semi-rigid cable used to connect the REF OUT of the PXIe-5655 to the REF IN of the first PXIe-5842 in the RF reference clock daisy chain.
Note NI recommends the Phase Stable 3.5 mm-to-3.5 mm RF cables (part number 137446-01/03) for SMA-to-SMA connections. Alternatively, you can use the 26.5 GHz SMA-to-SMA RF cables (part number 137833-0150/0300/0600/1000).
Figure 4. Common LO 2-VST Interconnections

PXIe-5842 and PXIe-5655 instruments cabled with a 24-way power splitter.

Figure 5. Common LO 4-VST Interconnections

PXIe-5842 and PXIe-5655 instruments cabled with a 4-way power splitter.